Battalion Chief Charles T. King Jr. of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services has been given the National Gold Medal Award for Emergency Medical Technicians, the county executive's office announced last week.
The award, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, recognizes one EMT from around the nation each year for such qualities as experience, training, accomplishments and community service.
"I want to thank the VFW for recognizing the important work of emergency medical service providers and for selecting me for this honor," King said in a statement. "It means a great deal to me and to my family."
King, an Army veteran, began his career with the department in 1987 as a firefighter.
He has received several awards, including four Gift of Life awards presented by the department for reviving a victim who has stopped breathing and has no heartbeat.
"This is a great honor for Chuck and for Howard County," County Executive Ken Ulman said in a statement. "I want to thank Chuck for his dedicated service to our community and also thank the VFW for acknowledging his efforts with this national award."